“as part of Canada’s innovation and economic growth strategy...

a framework of national standards to guide the implementation of a guaranteed basic income program in any province”

UPDATE: Bill C-273 was terminated when the 44th General Election was called on August 15, 2021. Bill sponsor Julie Dzerowicz was re-elected to the riding of Davenport. Read our Election 2021 Update here.

On February 22, 2021, Member of Parliament Julie Dzerowicz introduced Bill C-273, our first ever bill towards a national Guaranteed Basic Income. The bill entered Second Reading on June 14, 2021.

Sign and share the petition below and tell your MP to vote YES on Bill C-273.

Step 2: Tweet Your MP

Step 3: Ask your Editor to cover Bill C-273

Tell your MP to vote on Canada's Basic Income Bill
Infogram

Canada's first bill towards a national Guaranteed Basic Income.

Why is Bill C-273 important?

It's step one for the Canadian government to create a national Basic Income by answering important questions on how to best design and implement it across Canada.
‍

What would Bill C-273 do?

Bill C-273 requires Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to create a national strategy for a Guaranteed Basic Income, including potential partnerships with provinces to determine how best to structure and implement a Basic Income.

The bill includes support for dedicated Basic Income research into: how it would affect the efficiency of government; how it could support entrepreneurship, job creation, and civic action in a new economy; and how it would impact Canadians and our communities.

The bill also calls for a set of national standards to guide the design and implementation of Basic Income across Canada.
‍

How can I help support Bill C-273?

Step 1: Sign and share this petition and email your MP to vote YES.
Step 2: Tweet your MP using the tool below the petition.
Step 3: Write a letter to your local editor and ask them to cover Bill C-273.
‍

Where can I read the text of Bill C-273?

To read the full text of the bill: An Act to establish a national strategy for a guaranteed basic income.
‍

What is the deal with Motion-46 and Bill C-273?

In Canada, only the government is allowed to raise taxes and spend money through the introduction of a draft law called a Government Bill. A Basic Income or even a Basic Income pilot would cost money and can therefore only be proposed by the government.

The current government is not moving on basic income, so it is left to individual Members of Parliament to advance the issue with the tools that they have: the Private Member’s Motion and the Private Member’s Bill...

M-46

‍MP Leah Gazan is using a Private Member’s Motion. Motion 46 for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income was introduced in August of 2020 but has not yet been brought for debate or vote. A motion is a resolution and calls on the government to take a specific course of action. If the motion gets more than 50% of MPs to vote YES on it, it becomes an official opinion of the House.

Motions are non-binding, have shorter debates, and only require the approval of MPs (not Senators too) so they can be passed relatively quickly. If Motion 46 is passed, it would mean that it is the official position of the House that the government should introduce legislation to replace the Canada Emergency Response Benefit with a permanent guaranteed livable basic income; but the government is not required to do anything from the motion.
‍
C-273

‍MP Julie Dzerowicz is using a Private Member’s Bill. A bill is a draft law. Because of this, it needs to pass both the House and the Senate and requires a longer debate process. If the bill gets more that 50% of MPs to vote YES on it, it will become the law.

If Bill C-273 is passed, it would require the Minister of Finance to prepare a strategy for assessing models of implementing Basic Income and then report to the House on the results of this strategy in each province; but C-273 itself can’t fund the implementation of this strategy.

On the surface, M-46 and C-273 have major differences and represent different tactics and philosophies about how to pressure the government to move forward on Basic Income. UBI Works has advocated for both and believes that if you are a Basic Income supporter, each of these initiatives and their champions deserve your support.

Sign the Petition for Bill C-273

Timeline of Canada's Basic Income Bill C-273

Bill C-273 is introduced in the House of Commons.

MPs debate Bill C-273, ask questions, and vote on whether to bring it to committee.

The bill is sent to committee, where it may be revised and amended with the help of testimonies from experts.

The committee sends the bill back to the House of Commons where all MPs can debate it and suggest more changes.

The bill is debated one last time and then MPs vote on it. If it receives 50% + 1 vote, it's as good as passed.

The bill goes through a similar process in the Senate, but much faster. The Senate usually won't vote down a bill which MPs have passed, but may suggest changes.

The Governor General signs the bill into law!

Bill C-273 Second Reading

On June 14, 2021, Bill C-273 entered Second Reading, kicking off the first of 2 rounds of debate before the bill goes to a vote. MPs from multiple parties debated the bill, most showing support and some raising questions about exactly how to do it — which this bill was designed to answer.

Watch some highlights of the first hour of Second Reading below, and watch the full video here.

Full Second Reading Video

Press & Media

Liberal MP sponsor of Private Member's Bill on Basic Income, expresses support for NDP MP's Motion on the same issue

Office of MP Julie Dzerowicz | April 26, 2021

MP Julie Dzerowicz introduces Private Members Bill C-273 — An Act to establish a national strategy for a guaranteed basic income

Office of MP Julie Dzerowicz | February 23, 2021

Liberal MP Says Some Cabinet Ministers ‘Very Supportive’ Of Basic Income

By Zi-Ann Lum | February 25, 2021

P.E.I. livable income advocate says private members bill creates 'new level of importance' as it takes basic income talks to the federal level

By Michael Robar | March 9, 2021

Canada Might Start Considering 'Guaranteed Basic Income' If A New Bill Passes

By Lea Sabbah | March 11, 2021

Sign the Petition for Bill C-273

On Social Media

It’s official – I’ve now tabled 🇨🇦’s first-ever legislation on a #GuaranteedBasicIncome in @HoCChamber!

Now the hard work begins to get Bill #C273 through the House of Commons with support from all sides! #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/lsCacRRcbA
— Julie Dzerowicz (@JulieDzerowicz) February 23, 2021

This is a BIG deal. Canada now has an actual bill for a basic income guarantee in Canada! This isn't a motion. This is actual legislation as proposed by @JulieDzerowicz. If you live in Canada, you can let your MP know they should support C-273! @ubi_works https://t.co/aHn6eJTM4S
— Scott Santens 🧢🏄‍♂️ (@scottsantens) February 24, 2021

Energized by @JulieDzerowicz’s press conference in support of Bill #C273, 🇨🇦’s first ever legislation for guaranteed livable income. We can & must redress poverty & systemic racism & ensure pandemic #Recovery4All #cdnpoli #SenCa #BasicIncome https://t.co/iQaaAtcKgw
— Kim Pate (@KPateontheHill) February 25, 2021

Proud to support my colleague @JulieDzerowicz's PMB "C-273: An Act to Establish a National Strategy for a Guaranteed Basic Income".
A basic income has the potential to lift many Canadians out of poverty and provide them with the stability they need to reach their full potential. pic.twitter.com/4hkhURs611
— Jaime Battiste (@JaimeBattiste) April 9, 2021

Today I'm announcing my support for @JulieDzerowicz's Private Member's Bill #C273, 🇨🇦's 1st-ever guaranteed #BasicIncome legislation.

It's time we take a serious look at what a UBI can do reduce poverty, support economic growth, & ensure every Canadian has their basic needs met. pic.twitter.com/OwDpWIuIUc
— Andy Fillmore, MP (@AndyFillmoreHFX) March 25, 2021

Thank you @MarkGerretsen for pledging to support Bill C-273 - "An Act to establish a national strategy for a guaranteed basic income".
"I am supportive of Bill C-273, and will be voting in favour of this Bill when the time comes."#CanPoli #UBI #GBI pic.twitter.com/zSZBiDoKtA
— IndieDiva (@IndieDivaGaming) April 1, 2021

Sign the Petition for Bill C-273

How Would Basic Income Help Canada?

A new report by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA) gives us a first ever look at the economic impacts of a national Basic Income in Canada.

1. Basic Income can grow the economy and create jobs.

Basic Income could grow Canada’s economy $80 billion a year — more than Canada’s tourism and hospitality industries combined — and create nearly 600,000 jobs in 5 years.

Basic Income could grow our economy $80 billion/year.
It could concurrently generate $400 billion in additional GDP within 5 years — or up to $2 trillion in 25 years.
Basic Income could add nearly 600,000 full-time equivalent within 5 years — or over 900,000 jobs in 25 years.

2. Basic Income can be good for business.

Putting money in Canadians’ hands lets them spend it in their local economies, which could cause private capital investments to increase up to $15 billion a year — more than double all Canadian venture capital investments a year.

Basic Income could add $32 billion/year on average in gross operating surplus (GOS) to Canada's businesses within 5 years — as much as the annual profits of our 3 biggest banks combined.
GOS could grow up to $745 billion in 25 years.
Basic Income could increase private capital investments (PCI) $15 billion/year on average within 5 years.
PCI could grow up to $336 billion in 25 years.

3. Basic Income is a raise for working Canadians.

Economic activity from Basic Income would cause businesses to hire, spending up to $32 billion a year in total wages— as much as the profits of our top 3 banks.

Basic Income could grow aggregate wages 2.6% in year 5 — or $32 billion a year on average over 5 years. Aggregate wages could grow up to $621 billion in 25 years.
1.7M families earning between $10-19K from work could see their total income double (+114%).
3.3M families earning between $20-29K from work could see their total income increase +34% on average.
Canadians earning up to $109,000/year could see their disposable income either increase — or decrease no more than 1.1%
Basic Income could increase disposable income $122 billion in 1 year for the bottom 60% of Canadians by income.

4. Basic Income can be a self-sustaining investment.

Basic Income could grow the economy more than it costs in the long term, making this a sustainable investment over time. It could generate $22 billion a year in new government revenues from new economic activity— as much as all EI Premiums paid by employees and employers.

The cost of Basic Income as a percentage of GDP could shrink over time, despite covering more Canadians, since economic growth from the program will increase faster than cost.
Basic Income could generate $22 billion a year in new government revenues.
It could add $109 billion in additional government revenues within 5 years — or up to $514 billion in 25 years.
Basic income can be funded with minimal tax increases, by using debt that can be paid down with new tax revenues — while growing the economy and raising incomes of most Canadians.

5. All while ending poverty and growing the middle class.

Basic Income could grow the economy sustainably while lifting 3.2 million families out of poverty and giving a raise to most Canadians.

3.2M families lifted out of poverty — ending poverty.
129,000 single-parent families lifted out of poverty — 85% of which are female-led.
2.3M families in the lowest income bracket ($0-9K) could see their income at least triple.

Read the full report and highlights

Basic Income can grow the economy and create jobs.

Basic Income could grow Canada’s economy $80 billion a year — more than Canada’s tourism and hospitality industries combined — and create nearly 600,000 jobs in 5 years.

Basic Income could grow our economy $80 billion/year.
It could generate $400 billion in additional GDP within 5 years — or up to $2 trillion in 25 years.
Basic Income could add nearly 600,000 full-time equivalent within 5 years — or over 900,000 jobs in 25 years.

Basic Income can be a self-sustaining investment.

Basic Income could generate $22 billion a year in new government revenues — more per year all EI Premiums paid by employees and employers.

Basic Income could generate additional government revenues of $22 billion/year.
It could add $109 billion in additional government revenues within 5 years — or up to $514 billion in 25 years.
Basic income can be funded with minimal tax increases, by using debt that can be paid down with new tax revenues — while growing the economy and raising incomes of most Canadians.

Basic Income is a raise for working Canadians.

Basic Income could grow disposable income by $122 billion in 1 year for the bottom 60% of Canadians — more than the GDP of Canada’s restaurant industry.

Basic Income could increase disposable income $122 billion in 1 year for the bottom 60% of Canadians by income.
It could grow aggregate wages 2.6% by year 5 — or $32 billion/year per year over 5 years.
Basic Income could grow aggregate wages up to $621 billion, in 25 years.
Canadians earning up to $109,000/year could see their disposable income either increase — or decrease no more than 1.1%

Basic Income can be good for business.

Basic Income could grow Canadian businesses by $32 billion a year in gross operating surplus — more than the yearly profits of our 3 biggest banks combined.

Basic Income could grow Canada’s businesses by an average of $32 billion/year in gross operating surplus (GOS) within 5 years.
GOS could grow up to $745 billion in 25 years.
Basic Income could increase private capital investments (PCI) an average of $7 billion/year within 5 years — more than twice as much as the annual investments by Canadian venture capitalists.
PCI could grow up to $336 billion in 25 years.

All while ending poverty and growing the middle class.

Basic Income could grow the economy sustainably and support Canada’s businesses — all while lifting 3.2 million families out of poverty, ending poverty.

3.2M families lifted out of poverty — ending poverty.
129,000 single-parent families lifted out of poverty — 85% of which are female-led.
2.3M families in the lowest income bracket ($0-9K) could see their income at least triple.
1.7M families in 2nd-lowest income bracket ($10-19K) could see their income double.
3.3M families in the 3rd-lowest income bracket ($20-29K) — by far the largest group by population — could see their income increase +34%.

Sign the Petition for Bill C-273

Canada's FirstBasic Income Bill: C-273

UPDATE: Bill C-273 ended with the call of the 44th General Election.

Step 2: Tweet Your MP

Step 3: Ask your Editor to cover Bill C-273

Canada's first bill towards a national Guaranteed Basic Income.

Why is Bill C-273 important?

What would Bill C-273 do?

How can I help support Bill C-273?

Where can I read the text of Bill C-273?

What is the deal with Motion-46 and Bill C-273?

First Reading

Second Reading

Committee

Report

Third Reading

Senate

Royal Assent

Bill C-273 Second Reading

Press & Media

Liberal MP sponsor of Private Member's Bill on Basic Income, expresses support for NDP MP's Motion on the same issue

MP Julie Dzerowicz introduces Private Members Bill C-273 — An Act to establish a national strategy for a guaranteed basic income

Liberal MP Says Some Cabinet Ministers ‘Very Supportive’ Of Basic Income

P.E.I. livable income advocate says private members bill creates 'new level of importance' as it takes basic income talks to the federal level

Canada Might Start Considering 'Guaranteed Basic Income' If A New Bill Passes

On Social Media

1. Basic Income can grow the economy and create jobs.

Basic Income could grow Canada’s economy $80 billion a year — more than Canada’s tourism and hospitality industries combined — and create nearly 600,000 jobs in 5 years.

2. Basic Income can be good for business.

Putting money in Canadians’ hands lets them spend it in their local economies, which could cause private capital investments to increase up to $15 billion a year — more than double all Canadian venture capital investments a year.

3. Basic Income is a raise for working Canadians.

Economic activity from Basic Income would cause businesses to hire, spending up to $32 billion a year in total wages— as much as the profits of our top 3 banks.

4. Basic Income can be a self-sustaining investment.

Basic Income could grow the economy more than it costs in the long term, making this a sustainable investment over time. It could generate $22 billion a year in new government revenues from new economic activity— as much as all EI Premiums paid by employees and employers.

5. All while ending poverty and growing the middle class.

Basic Income could grow the economy sustainably while lifting 3.2 million families out of poverty and giving a raise to most Canadians.

Basic Income can grow the economy and create jobs.

Basic Income could grow Canada’s economy $80 billion a year — more than Canada’s tourism and hospitality industries combined — and create nearly 600,000 jobs in 5 years.

Basic Income can be a self-sustaining investment.

Basic Income could generate $22 billion a year in new government revenues — more per year all EI Premiums paid by employees and employers.

Basic Income is a raise for working Canadians.

Basic Income could grow disposable income by $122 billion in 1 year for the bottom 60% of Canadians — more than the GDP of Canada’s restaurant industry.

Basic Income can be good for business.

Basic Income could grow Canadian businesses by $32 billion a year in gross operating surplus — more than the yearly profits of our 3 biggest banks combined.

All while ending poverty and growing the middle class.

Basic Income could grow the economy sustainably and support Canada’s businesses — all while lifting 3.2 million families out of poverty, ending poverty.

Support Us

Our Mission

Our Why

Sign up to receive news and updates on Basic Income in Canada!

Menu

Stay in touch

Canada's First
Basic Income Bill: C-273